Popular Categories
MTD Replacement Parts by Category
MTD Customer Repairs
Last modified on 10-07-2015
James B. from Michigan was able to sharpen the chain on his MTD chainsaw using the first of three methods detailed on our site. Having a sharp chain is important in order to make sure your chain saw is working efficiently and safely, and to keep the motor in good shape by not burdening it with additional work when cutting wood.
James chose to use a round file to sharpen his chainsaw chain, although there are three methods to choose from. Start by mounting the saw in a vice to keep it stable, and also get better results from sharpening. Make note of the two angles on the chainsaw’s teeth in order to make sure you are filing in the correct direction; the top plate angle, and the tilt angle. Check with your chainsaw manufacturer for the proper size file in relation to the size of your chainsaw chain.
Begin filing from the inside of the chain outward, never the opposite. Hold each end of the round file and begin moving it in a gentle sawing motion, although only “sawing” in one direction, rather than back and forth. This is the least expensive method because all you need is a round file, but it requires the most skill because you need to eyeball the angle of the tooth and then file accordingly.
For more guidance with the angle, you can mount your round file in a file holder. The holder has markings which correspond with the angle, so you can set it according to the angle of the chain’s teeth. Adjust the gage so that the file angle you desire is parallel with the bar. Holding the handle towards yourself, file in the same motion you would if using the round file alone. Make sure to flip the saw around in the vice when you are halfway through, so that you can saw the entire chain from the same direction, which makes it easier on yourself!
If your chain is very dull, it might be wise to use the third option which is a special sharpening jig, which clamps right onto the bar of the saw. Fasten the clamps, as well as the separate clamps to hold the chain in place. You can adjust each bar to reflect the angle of the top plate, and the lilt plate. Although this method takes longer to set up, it does a quicker job of filing!
James chose to use a round file to sharpen his chainsaw chain, although there are three methods to choose from. Start by mounting the saw in a vice to keep it stable, and also get better results from sharpening. Make note of the two angles on the chainsaw’s teeth in order to make sure you are filing in the correct direction; the top plate angle, and the tilt angle. Check with your chainsaw manufacturer for the proper size file in relation to the size of your chainsaw chain.
Begin filing from the inside of the chain outward, never the opposite. Hold each end of the round file and begin moving it in a gentle sawing motion, although only “sawing” in one direction, rather than back and forth. This is the least expensive method because all you need is a round file, but it requires the most skill because you need to eyeball the angle of the tooth and then file accordingly.
For more guidance with the angle, you can mount your round file in a file holder. The holder has markings which correspond with the angle, so you can set it according to the angle of the chain’s teeth. Adjust the gage so that the file angle you desire is parallel with the bar. Holding the handle towards yourself, file in the same motion you would if using the round file alone. Make sure to flip the saw around in the vice when you are halfway through, so that you can saw the entire chain from the same direction, which makes it easier on yourself!
If your chain is very dull, it might be wise to use the third option which is a special sharpening jig, which clamps right onto the bar of the saw. Fasten the clamps, as well as the separate clamps to hold the chain in place. You can adjust each bar to reflect the angle of the top plate, and the lilt plate. Although this method takes longer to set up, it does a quicker job of filing!
What Our Loyal Customers Have To Say
I recently placed an order on May 10 11:59am on parts for an MTD trimmer. I received everything today, May 14 at 11:40am... almost exactly 4 business days from the time I placed the order until now. I will say that I am very pleased with the service I got & I will definitely be using you again as well as recommending you to everyone I know. Before ordering I went to our local shop to see if by chance they might have the parts in stock, after I gave him the parts list I generated with the part numbers he then told me for shipping and all, I'm looking at 3 weeks minimum & the parts would run almost $100 with shipping. Then he told me I was wasting money and for $40 more I would be better off buying one of the new trimmers he was selling. After thanking him for his help...which there really was none...I said I will pass. When i got home I went directly to eReplacementparts.com & placed the order. Thanks for the prompt service that eReplacementparts.com gave us.
Skeet M.
Mississippi, USA
The Gold Standard
MTD isn’t just a brand of outdoor power equipment. It’s the brand of outdoor power equipment. The Modern Tool and Die Company owns and operates over 21 different brands. This includes Bolens, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, and Mastercut. The lawn care giant has become the go-to brand for customers looking for the toughest products for the toughest jobs.
